Despite Legal Hurdles, Millennium Plans Summer Kickoff for SoMa Tower

One of the most ambitious development projects in San Francisco is also one of the most highly contested. Millennium Partners is closing in on finally breaking ground on its $500 million development in the city’s SoMa district. The developer has been planning the project for nearly a decade and is now set to start construction at the site located in the immediate proximity of the Rochester Big & Tall Building. Once completed, the high-rise would feature high-priced condominium units.

Millennium Partners is closing in on breaking ground on its controversial $500 million condominium tower in the SoMa district, but at least one major legal hurdle remains.

Handel Architects rendering of 706 Mission project

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the company is waiting for resolution of a lawsuit by local residents so it can set in motion its plan for a 44-story luxury residential tower at 706 Mission St. Of note, the tower’s first four floors would be dedicated to a new home for the Mexican Museum. Millennium would also renovate the neighboring Aronson Building.

Designed by Handel Architects, the tower would rise 510 feet above street level and offer 169 luxury condominiums that, due to the coveted location and development costs, are expected to command premium prices.

Still standing in the way of construction, however, is two-year-old litigation filed on behalf of residents of the nearby Four Seasons residences. Citing the California Environmental Quality Act, opponents argue that the city green-lit the project through improperly approved zoning changes.

Millennium is already invested in the project through a $5 million gift to the Mexican Museum and a $5 million payment to San Francisco’s affordable housing fund. According to the Chronicle, Millennium expects the litigation to be resolved in time for construction to start in July.